HC Deb 19 December 1916 vol 88 cc1275-6
64. Mr. BYRNE

asked when the Irish prisoners sentenced by courts-martial will be treated as political prisoners?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement made on this subject by my predecessor on the 14th November.

Mr. GIN NELL

Will the scheme for the transfer of these men to Lewes be carried out before Christmas, and will the Countess Markievicz, who is in absolutely solitary confinement, participate in the amelioration which has been extended to the men?

Sir G. CAVE

Practically all the prisoners have already been transferred to Lewes. The Countess Markievicz will participate in the same treatment as has been extended to the men.

Mr. GIN NELL

In what prison?

Sir G. CAVE

At Aylesbury.

75. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the numbers of Irish youths, ranging from 16 to 19 years of age, still suffering penal servitude in the convict prisons of Dartmoor and Portland for offences described by the late Prime Minister as venial and pardonable errors; whether he is aware of the extent and intensity of the resentment in Ireland against this continued punishment; and whether all those youths will be released before Christmas?

Sir G. CAVE

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. Ten of the convicts referred to are under 19. They were convicted and sentenced by a court-martial for active participation in the rebellion, which I am sure the late Prime Minister never described as a venial and pardonable error. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. GINNELL

May I ask has the right hon. Gentleman looked at "Hansard" for the 10th of May last, in which he will find the words quoted? I put the date in the question, but it was struck out at the Table.

Sir G. CAVE

I am sure the words did not refer to the crimes to which my answer refers.

Mr. GINNELL

Yes, they do.

Mr. BYRNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that eight are under eighteen years of age, and that we received a guarantee that all boys under eighteen would be sent home?

Sir G. CAVE

I cannot confirm the last part of the question. With regard to the ages, if the hon. Gentleman is right, it has to be remembered that some of these lads were convicted of offences, either amounting to, or approaching, murder.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer to the report of the House of Commons for 10th May, in which he will find what is quoted in my question?

Mr. T. M. HEALY

When shall we get the report of the trials of these men, which the late Prime Minister promised, so that the House will be able to judge of the accuracy of the statement the right hon. Gentleman has just made?

Sir G. CAVE

I think I must ask for notice of that.